The Miami Heat were the overlooked team in Wednesday's three-team trade involving the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors. Jordan Crawford was the marquee player moved, but the Heat set them up for something to come in the future. After trading away center Joel Anthony for Toney Douglas, could Andrew Bynum finally get signed to the team?
The main thing for the Miami Heat is the trade saved them upwards of $7.7 million in salary and luxury taxes next season, not to mention not having to pay Anthony this year. The center barely saw any action this year and there was no reason for the Heat to spend that kind of money on him. They picked up Douglas. Miami already has Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole to fill that position. They also have Roget Mason Jr. for depth. The chances Douglas gets released feel pretty good.
Zach Lowe at Grantland, brings up the idea that the Heat will likely let go of Douglas in favor of signing Andrew Bynum. The center has been sitting on the market for a week now after clearing waivers and no team has shown serious moves to get him. Could this trade be the move Miami needed to acquire Bynum?
Frontcourt help has been a priority for Miami this season. After barely sneaking by the Indiana Pacers, the defending champions realized that depth under the basket will be key to beating them again. Miami as both Greg Oden and Michael Beasley that they signed in the offseason, but Bynum would be available to play right away. For all of his flaws, Bynum would be a huge asset in the playoffs.
Miami still has a $3.2 million tax payer exemption that they can use on Bynum to pay him more than the league minimum. The two-time champion center has requested more than just the veteran's paycheck which has hurt a lot of interest from teams.
The Los Angeles Clippers appeared to be a big favorite to sign Bynum once he was released by the Bulls. However, the team looks ready to sign Hedo Turkoglu for the remainder of the season, filling that space. The Atlanta Hawks have also shown interest in the center following the loss of Al Horford for the season. The team has failed to fill his role yet, but the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports the Hawks have no interest in Bynum.
Right now, it appears Miami is Bynum's best option at a contract. If Atlanta grows desperate enough, they could make a move.
